Diabetes eye damage is the single largest cause of blindness before old age with a progressive incidence in people with Type 2 diabetes. (
Reference 2.)
However, vision loss is not inevitable if certain steps are taken. According to NICE, recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes should closely follow those for type 1 diabetes. (
Reference 2.)
Good blood sugar level control and regular sight tests are the most important ways to prevent visual loss in patients with diabetes. Ensuring good blood pressure and cholesterol control are also important. Finally, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and giving up smoking, which increases blood pressure and raises blood sugar level, are also helpful in the prevention of sight loss. (
Reference 2,3.)
RNIB provides free information leaflets for patients with diabetes, which you can order here. If your patients understand the risks, they might be more motivated to adopt a healthy lifestyle and control their condition.
Does your local area have a diabetic retinopathy screening programme?
If not, consider setting one up. Refer to the NHS's Essential Elements in Developing a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme Workbook for more information.
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